Lesson 2 – Image Management Part 2

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the student must be able to:
• Identify ways on how to introduce self professionally
• Familiarize ways to introduce self professionally

INTRODUCTION:
This lesson deals with ways on how to introduce self professionally

CONTENT:

How to Introduce Yourself Professionally?

As you progress in your career, you will meet many people who can help you grow
professionally. Having a professional introduction ready when you meet someone
such as an interviewer, supervisor, mentor or new connection can help you establish
a positive reputation with him or her. In this article, we outline why professional
introductions are important and give instructions and examples for introducing
yourself.

Here are four ways you can introduce yourself professionally:

1. State your purpose

Many people introduce themselves by stating their name and current job title, but
you should also try to add information your new contact can’t find on your business
card. If you are at a networking event, consider starting with your name, then stating
what your passion is. You could also mention what your goal is for the encounter,
such as finding someone to collaborate with on a new idea you have.
Quickly summarize who you are and why you are there when you interview for a job.
Your interviewers already know what position you are applying for, so have your
professional introduction explain your purpose in a few sentences. You should
include your name and why you are a good candidate for the job position.

Keep in mind that you should start your introduction in a way that is appropriate for
the context. For example, if you are at a networking event you might simply start by
shaking a new connection’s hand and giving them your first and last name. Then
begin a conversation by asking and answering questions about their background and
your own.

Interview introduction example: “My name is Tara, I moved to New York City because
advertising is my passion and this is the place to find an inspirational, innovative ad
community. I have a rich background analyzing audiences for messaging optimization
and would love to tell you about the strengths I can bring to this role.”

2.Control your body language

Both your words and your body language make an impact on first impressions.
Controlling your body language is essential to staying poised and professional in a
new introduction. For example, when you approach a new coworker in your
department, start with a strong handshake, and maintain eye contact during the
conversation. Doing this shows the other party you are engaged in your interaction.
When you introduce yourself to someone, you can demonstrate confidence by
speaking in a clear and audible voice. During your conversation, maintain natural
body language with relaxed shoulders and open arms by your side. If you are seated,
stand to greet someone who walks in the room, such as during an interview.
 How to improve your body language for business purposes
Only a tiny portion of human communication comes from the words that we use.
About 55% of what we’re trying to say comes from our body language. The tone of
voice accounts for about 38%, while the words that we say make up around 7% of the
communication experience.
Whether you’re a business leader looking for better ways to use your body language
in business meetings, or an entrepreneur teaching body language skills to your team
members, there are things you can do to raise your chances of success. Here are our
top tips on using body language in business communications.
Focus on posture
One of the first things that people notice when they’re speaking to another human
being is how that individual carries themselves. Posture is crucial when it comes to
demonstrating things like confidence and assertiveness. Research even indicates that
we’re more attracted to people who have open stances. For instance, think open
arms, straight spines, and no crossed limbs.

When you cross your arms and legs, hunch your shoulders and draw your body in on
itself, you convey an air of anxiety and isolation. These actions naturally encourage
other people to take a step back, rather than inviting them to interact with you on a
deeper level.

Address your facial expressions

You can say a lot with a simple smile. If you’re looking to make a sponsor or a co-
worker feel more at ease in a conversation, one of the best things you can do is smile.
A smile is a crucial part of body language in business, whether you’re engaging with
colleagues or consumers. Smiles instantly remove some of the friction from any
conversation.
Another good rule of thumb to follow is to try and mirror the facial expressions of the
person you’re speaking to. If the individual you’re talking to is laid back and relaxed,
act the same way and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your discussion. On the other
hand, if you’re speaking to someone with a very serious demeanour, sharing the
same body language will show that you’re treating the matter at hand with care.

Look into eye contact

Eye contact is another important element when it comes to body language in
business communications. Once you’ve perfected a welcoming smile and good
posture, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the people you’re communicating with. Eye
contact indicates that you’re giving the other person in the room your full attention
and respect.
According to a study from the Wall Street Journal, most adults make eye contact
between 30 and 60% of the time in their conversations. It would be best to make eye
contact around 70% of the time to create a deeper emotional connection. Of course,
it’s difficult to measure something like this in percentages when you’re in the
moment. Try to maintain eye contact regularly, but don’t stare at the other people in
a conversation non-stop, as this can make them nervous.

Practice your handshake

Many business experts agree that a handshake reveals a lot about a person. One
study conducted by the University of Alabama found that many people could predict
what kind of personality the person they shook hands with had. The people with firm
and confident handshakes were generally more outgoing and positive people – the
kind that others want to work with.

Most people know that a good handshake is essential when they’re preparing for a
job interview or something similar. However, a handshake is also crucial for other
aspects of growing a business. Every time you meet with a new client, investor, or
even a colleague, your handshake will help them to make snap judgements about you
and your business. Practice your handshake frequently and get feedback from your
friends and family to help you perfect it.

Go global
Finally, many businesses today aren’t limited to a small local area. Thanks to the rise
of the internet, the “global” business space is bigger than ever. This means that many
brands continuously find themselves looking for ways to build feelings of trust with
overseas partners, investors, and customers.
If you work in a space that requires you to manage and maintain relationships with
overseas experts, then it’s important to brush up on the role that body language can
play in your conversations. Regular eye contact is a sign of respect in Western
countries, but it can cause problems between members of opposite genders in the
Middle East. Additionally, initial greetings such as the handshake can differ
depending on the part of the world that you’re in. In Asia, some meetings start with a
bow to show mutual respect. In Italy, a kiss on the cheek is s a common sign of
friendship and community.

3.Explain why you are valuable

Employers might schedule multiple interviews throughout the day or week for a job
opening. Your professional introduction should convey your unique experience and
qualifications so you stand out from other candidates. Hearing an introduction that
sounds different from previous ones directs your new contact’s attention toward you
and tends to make it more memorable. During an interview introduction, for
example, you should let your interviewer know why you would make a valuable
contribution to the team.
Example: “My name is Ebony, and I have 10 years of experience working in public
relations. I have worked with more than 20 destination marketing organizations to
increase tourism at their destinations, resulting in 40% more business at certain
locations.”

4.Understand the culture

Consider researching the company before an interview or meeting to understand their
culture. Before an introduction with a computer programming company, for example,
review their website or social media pages to see what the culture is like. If the
company seems more casual, it may be appropriate to include humor in your
introduction. For a more formal position or meeting with a potential client, keeping a
more professional demeanor could make you more likely to be hired or gain the
client’s business.

REFERENCE/S:
• Personality and Soft Skills Development for Workplace Success. J. G. San
Miguel. Published in 2015 by C & E Publishing, Inc.
• https://www.lifehack.org/481944/8-life-skills-to-help-you-improve-your-
personality
• https://fabrikbrands.com/body-language-in-
business/#:~:text=Body%20language%20in%20business%20and,and%20al
ter%20your%20business%20identity.